From eBay. A really old Leblanc
emblem from probably the 1920-40s.Identifiers:

Thumbrest has one screw on top and one on the bottom

Single pivot for lower joint long side keys (C# / B)

L designed shared 3 post throat keys

The articulated G# mechanism is reminiscent of a 1937 Buffet A

LeBlanc Emblem #1

“G.LEBLANC” follows the contour of the upper area.

No separate “G”

Years: ???? to ???? – 1950s

Leblanc Emblem #2

“G” separated from name area

“LEBLANC follows contour of area

Years: ???? to ???? – 1960s

LeBlanc Emblem #3

“LEBLANC” in block letters.

“G” above Leblanc in same areas, but encroaches on the
main emblem area

Years: ???? to ???? – 1970s

unmarked “pre-Classic”

Leblanc – Stubbins like mechanism for Bb.
Patented in 1933

Shared “L” 3 post configuration for throat keys

“Leblanc” in emblem with “G” above in crown

notice the stubbins-like mechanism to close the throat A key, the A key
has a lip in front of the pad cup, versus later designs that push down
the pad cup from the top (as shown in Fig 2 in the 1933 Leblanc
patent).

There seems to be 3 versions of Stubbins. This is identified by
a letter above the serial number. An “S” is a full Stubbins.
A “N” is like 75% stubbins and a “C” is about 50% stubbing. You
can see this in the Noblet and Normandy versions.

Pre-Classic (sn 6554) – notice that even the old Leblancs used an
extended register tube pip (first picture) rather than flush like
Buffet.

Model 476One would think the 476 was
some lineage history relationship to the 176. But then I saw the
emblem which signifies a different era clarinet. This model
actually was a later one in the 1961 timeframe and was in same 1961
dated brochure alongside the Leblanc LL (model 1176) and Dynamic H
(model 1276). This model has the same model # as a Symphonie
Model, though a newer emblem like the Symphonie 2.

Leblanc 576 – pics from eBay 6/2013

Leblanc C8
(or possibly CB for Cundy-Bettoney, importer)unknown age, though trill key guide shows an early model. Possibly late
1940s or early 1950s. (searching for more pictures)

Below 272A (100 after the above example but with the Stubbins mechanism)

2nd – Symphonie

Symphonie – 1955-56

3rd – Symphonie II

Symphonie II –

4th – Classic

Classic – late 1950’s”Leblanc” in emblem with “G” in crown

SN235xx made before 1960

5th – Classic II

Classic II (nickel plated keys)

6th – Symphonie 3

Symphonie 3 – mid 1960s (raw nickel silver keys)

Symphonie 3 with original baggies and end caps

Symphonie IV

Classic & Classic II – Leblanc reintroduced the Symphonie
in the late 1950’s as the Classic line but then dropped it and
reintroduced the Symphonie.

Leblanc Dynamique, Dynamic, Pete Fountain
models

Model Evolution (model 1610)

Dynamique

Dynamique II

Dynamic

Dynamic II

Dynamic H

Dynamic H with Pete Fountain on bell

Pete Fountain / Big Easy through 2010 then discontinued

Good alternatives to these models are the L7 and Concerto &
Concerto IIs

Leblanc old Dynamique and newer Dynamic

Dynamic in script on top

Leblanc emblem similar to #3

Model evolution

Dynamique

Dynamique II

< pictures >

Dynamic (below example sn 67xx)

Dynamic II (model 776) – made in the 1950s

Dynamic H (model 1276) , late 1950s and 1960s

Dynamic H with Pete Fountain signature on bell (ex sn 268xx)

Pete Fountain/Big Easy model

Leblanc LL models

Leblanc LL Paris (model 1176)

The LLs were visually
fairly consistent from generation to generations. Other than the emblem
changes one can see the trill key guide changed. From a sn # 15xxx
FRANCE model with a triangular trill key guide to a 52xxx with a
rectangular trill key guide to 60xxx with a slotted barrel design.

In the 1970s through the 1980s
Leblanc simply offered a variety of clarinets for the discerning public.
I’m a fan of the L7 and L27 though in the 1970s Leblanc changed their
process for nickel plating. Many Leblanc clarinets from this time
frame had nickel that would peel and bubble in high skin contact areas,
such as the ring keys, throat keys, register key etc. It can
greatly affect the “feel” of the instrument and thus the value. A
good repair place can sand down the bubbles while still maintaining the
existing plating, or simply get it replated in Silver.

The Concerto and
Concerto II (designed by Tom Ridenour ) is probably one of my most
favorite Leblanc Clarinets. It has an R13ish type bore, though
larger and accompanied by smaller toneholes especially in the trill
keys. This allows it to have some excellent projection, and with
the larger bore excellent dynamics. It can hold it’s own with a
Buffet R13 and Buffet RC though may lack the tonal color. It also is a fantastic replacement for
an older Leblanc Dynamic or L7 model. The emblems have eliminated
the cut & filled emblem and are simply a gold “sticker” type of emblem,
though very durable (but still a sticker type). Silver plated
keys, wonderfully modern smooth keywork.

Leblanc Sonata

The Sonata
is an entry-level professional instrument and considered to be the
best instrument to be offered at its price level. The Sonata is
remarkable for its roundness of tone, perfect scale, playing ease and
agility. Its extraordinary evenness and “non-quirky” playing
characteristics make it ideal for the advanced young player or the
professional who doubles but has limited time to devote to the
clarinet.

Key: Bb

Bore: Polycylindrical, 14.60 mm (.575″)

Key mechanism: 17 key, 6 ring

Key style: In-line “Jump” trill keys

Body material: Aged grenadilla wood

Pad cup style: Conical

Key finish: Nickel-plated

Mouthpiece: 2550K-10M

Case: Deluxe wood shell

Options: Model 1020 available with backpack case as model 1020-BP;
model 1020 available with silver-plated keys as model 1020; model
1020S available with backpack case as model 1020S-BP

Leblanc Opus II

Leblanc offers the “Opus II” clarinet, designed in collaboration
with Larry Combs. Based on the highly acclaimed Opus acoustic, this
instrument provides the rich, dark sound and playing ease you’ve
come to expect from the Leblanc line of professional clarinets. Its
beautifully sculpted keywork is as pleasing to the eye as to the
touch, and numerous enhancements, such as its adjustable bridge
mechanism and E/B and F#/C# keys, save trips to the repair shop.
Larry Combs says, “The Opus II has redesigned keywork that is
ergonomically superior, decreasing muscle tension and stress.
Ultimately, it may extend a player’s career.”

FYI, I obtained all the Leblanc, Noblet and Normandy serial number lists
from a nice lady at G Leblanc USA about a year before they were bought by
Selmer USA. These were paper lists faxed to me. The computers
only had a few years in them by comparison. No list exists before
these lists – at least not at G Leblanc USA at the time per that nice lady.
Not sure if they exist at all now at Selmer USA since they closed the G
Leblanc facilities.